MCQEasyJEE 2025Bohr's Model & Hydrogen Spectrum

JEE Physics 2025 Question with Solution

The number of spectral lines emitted by atomic hydrogen that is in the **44**th energy level is:

  • A

    66

  • B

    33

  • C

    44

  • D

    11

Answer

Correct answer:A

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: Atomic hydrogen is in the **44**th energy level.

Find: The number of spectral lines emitted.

The number of different spectral lines equals the number of possible downward transitions among the energy levels up to n=4n = 4.

Using the formula:

N=n(n1)2N = \frac{n(n-1)}{2}

Substitute n=4n = 4:

N=4(41)2=4×32=6N = \frac{4(4-1)}{2} = \frac{4 \times 3}{2} = 6

So, the possible transitions are:

43,  42,  41,  32,  31,  214 \rightarrow 3,\; 4 \rightarrow 2,\; 4 \rightarrow 1,\; 3 \rightarrow 2,\; 3 \rightarrow 1,\; 2 \rightarrow 1

Therefore, the total number of spectral lines is 66. The correct option is A.

Transition Counting Method

Given: An electron is in the **44**th energy level of atomic hydrogen.

Find: Total number of emitted spectral lines.

List all possible downward transitions:

n=4 to n=3,2,1n=4 \text{ to } n=3,2,1 n=3 to n=2,1n=3 \text{ to } n=2,1 n=2 to n=1n=2 \text{ to } n=1

Counting them gives:

3+2+1=63 + 2 + 1 = 6

Thus, the electron can produce 66 spectral lines on de-excitation. The correct option is A.

Common mistakes

  • Counting only the direct transitions from n=4n=4 to lower levels and ignoring transitions like 323 \rightarrow 2 or 212 \rightarrow 1 is incorrect. The question asks for all spectral lines emitted during de-excitation. Include every possible downward transition among the involved levels.

  • Using the level number itself as the answer is incorrect. The number of spectral lines is not nn but is given by n(n1)2\frac{n(n-1)}{2}. Apply the transition formula instead of guessing from the energy level.

Practice more Bohr's Model & Hydrogen Spectrum questions

Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.

Related questions